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Articles by Trevor Nickel
Pelicans Guard Elfrid Payton Suffers Fractured Finger
Pelicans point guard Elfrid Payton (above) suffered a broken finger in his first game back since missing nine games with a sprained ankle. (Erik Williams/USA Today Sports) New Orleans Pelicans point guard Elfrid Payton left the team’s game against the New York Knicks with an injury, just a short time after rehabbing and returning from an ankle ailment. The Pelicans have announced that Payton has been diagnosed with broken finger.
GAME OF THE DAY: Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics Preview
Phantom Design/Def Pen Sports Entering the 2018-19 NBA season, the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors were hailed as the best two teams in the Eastern Conference and the Golden State Warriors’ biggest obstacle to the throne. Thus far this season, Toronto has lived up to that reputation. Boston has not. The Raptors are firing on all cylinders this season. They lead the Eastern Conference with a record of 12-3.
Were the Oakland Athletics the Most Slept On MLB Team of 2018?
The Oakland Athletics celebrate a win earlier this year. (Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) This past season the Oakland Athletics boasted an incredible record, their young talent performed very well, the American League Manager of the Year was at the helm and they were also the team with the lowest payroll coming into the 2018 season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Fainting Goat Strategy
(Phantom designs for Def Pen Sports) People have an odd fixation with watching others become startled. This is likely because surprise is inherently comedic. All the best jokes gain their superiority by being the least expected outcome in their given situation. If you can predict the ending of a punchline, that punchline loses its comedic value. This is why watching others become startled is endlessly pleasing.
Andre Iguodala Says Stephen Curry Won't Win Awards Because Warriors Are Too Good
Andre Iguodala thinks the Warriors’ annual dominance casts a shadow over the historic performances of teammate Stephen Curry. (Ben Margot/Associated Press) In a league that is catered towards greatness, the Golden State Warriors find themselves viewed in a different light as compared to typical NBA dynasties.
2018 College Basketball Team Preview: #7 Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee Volunteers (Joe Robbins/Getty Images) Tennessee is coming off one of its most successful seasons in recent memory, in which they were the co-SEC regular season champions and made a run to the SEC Tournament Championship game. After the 26-9 campaign ended in the Round of 32 against Loyola-Chicago the Volunteers are geared to compete at the top of the SEC again this season; this time with more experience and higher expectations compared to the beginning of the 2017 season.
Danny Green Agrees to Join Puma Basketball Roster
Danny Green (Mark Blinch/Getty Images) Danny Green wasn’t the immediate guess when Puma sent out a tweet yesterday alluding to the newly re-established sneaker brand signing a big name in the Toronto area. All eyes turned to his teammate and fellow sneaker free agent Kawhi Leonard. The duo was traded from the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors over the summer.
Red Sox Defeat Yankees, Will Face Astros in ALCS
Eduardo Nunez and Craig Kimbrel celebrate their win against the New York Yankees in Game 4. (Getty Images North America) The Boston Red Sox have defeated the New York Yankees 4-3 in Game 4 of the ALDS. The Red Sox who finished the season with the most wins in the league will be facing the Houston Astros who completed a three-game sweep of the Cleveland Indians earlier this week in the ALCS starting on Friday.
Chris Bosh Will Make Final Decision on Career by 2018-19 All-Star Break
Chris Bosh is still considering an NBA return. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY) Chris Bosh hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2015-16 season when he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. He had hopes of returning in the 2016-17 season but was unable to. Ditto for 2017-18.
Jimmy Butler Reiterates Trade Demand to Tom Thibodeau
Big surprise: Jimmy Butler still wants out of Minnesota. (Dave Richard/USA Today Sports) Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler doesn’t appear to be long for the Twin Cities. Butler has already requested a trade, and his request has yet to be honored. It seems like general manager and coach Tom Thibodeau is hoping Butler changes his mind, but that doesn’t appear to be happening, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic: Jimmy? Butler?
Kyrie Irving on Cleveland Tenure: 'I Wasn't the Face of the Franchise'
Kyrie Irving recently stated in an interview that the Cleveland Cavaliers made it ‘very clear’ that he wasn’t the face of the franchise. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE Getty Images) Kyrie Irving will be starting his second season with the Boston Celtics next week, but recently reflected on his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers who traded him to Boston last August.
Terry Rozier's Father Watches His Son Play in NBA Game For First Time After Being Released From Prison
After a 15-year prison sentence, Terry Rozier Sr. was finally able to watch his son play in a live NBA game. (gmb_chum12/Instagram) Sports are often thought of as purely entertainment but every once in a while, we are reminded that they are so much more. They have the ultimate power to unify and divide people, but it can also be so special when you get to share a once in a lifetime moment with your family.
Marcus Smart Fined $25,000, J.R. Smith Fined $15,000 for Altercation
Marcus Smart is held back by teammate Terry Rozier. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart and Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith have been fined for the altercation they were both involved in during Saturday night’s matchup between the two teams.
2018 College Basketball Preview: #21 Michigan Wolverines
Jordan Poole hits the buzzer-beating game-winner for Michigan. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America) Coach John Beilein has kept Michigan on the map for several years, and he has no intentions of stopping. The Wolverines are coming off a very fascinating run in the 2018 NCAA Tournament with Villanova being the only wall they could not break through. A 79-62 loss to Villanova ended a great season for Michigan with a final record of 33 wins and 8 losses, and 13-5 in the Big Ten Conference.
Phoenix Suns Fire GM Ryan McDonough after Five Years
Ryan McDonough (Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America) Ryan McDonough hit the ground running in his first shot at being a lead executive with a franchise after being hired by the Phoenix Suns in May of 2013. After three straight seasons of missing the playoffs following the exit of Steve Nash, the Suns looked like a team on the rise in McDonough’s first year with them.
MLB Suspends Addison Russell 40 Games
Addison Russell (David Banks/Getty Images North America) Addison Russell has been suspended 40 games by the MLB following the league’s investigation into allegations that he abused his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy-Russell. On Wednesday afternoon Major League Baseball announced the Chicago Cubs shortstop would be suspended in a statement released by the commissioner’s office. The suspension is retroactive to September 21st of this year. Following comes from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
REPORT: CJ McCollum was out 9 Weeks This Summer After Receiving PRP Injection in Knee
CJ McCollum was sidelined for nine weeks this summer. (Jaime Valdez/USA TODAY Sports) Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum received a PRP injection in his right knee and missed nine weeks, reports Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes: Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum received a PRP injection during the offseason to relieve pain and alleviate minor swelling in his right knee, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Warriors Heavily Favored to Win Championship in Annual NBA GM Survey
The Warriors were voted as most likely to win the NBA championship from 87 percent of general managers. (Rocky Widner/Getty Images) The 2018-19 NBA GM survey results were released on NBA.com this week, with the site conducting anonymous polls to each of the 30 general managers across the league. The GM’s were asked a variety of questions on topics including major awards, team success, offseason success, the best players at each position and various miscellaneous topics.
2018 College Basketball Team Preview: #24 Wisconsin Badgers
How far can Ethan Happ (22) lead the Badgers this season? (Elsa/Getty Images North America) Over the course of the next 30 days, the Def Pen college basketball staff will preview the top 30 teams in the country. Each day will present a new team running all the way up to the start of the regular season. Follow along with us as we share our top 30 college basketball teams in 30 days. The Wisconsin Badgers are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2017-2018 season.
Ranking the Best Young Guards In the NBA: Devin Booker
Devin Booker has firmly established himself as the Suns’ franchise player (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports) Devin Booker has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier up-and-coming guards. How does he stack up against his peers? The NBA Twitter world has been in disarray since the Finals ended. From Dennis Rodman making diplomatic visits to North Korea to our annual discussion of Nikola Jokic.
30 Teams in 30 Days: Los Angeles Lakers 2018-19 Preview
How far can LeBron James bring the Los Angeles Lakers? (Phantom Designs for Def Pen Sports) No team will have more eyes on it in the 2018-19 NBA season than the Los Angeles Lakers. Not the dynastic Golden State Warriors, not the challenger Houston Rockets, and not the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers or Indiana Pacers as they all fight for the right to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.
Boston Red Sox Clinch Playoff Berth and Win 100th Game
Boston Red Sox outfielders talk amongst themselves in the outfield. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Tuesday, September 11th, the Boston Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7-2 and clinched a postseason berth this October. Then on Wednesday, September 12th, the Red Sox defeated the Blue Jays again 1-0 to earn their 100th victory as a ballclub this season. The Red Sox have had an incredibly successful year and they hope to carry their success deep into the playoffs.
2018 NFL Power Rankings: Week 2
Patrick Mahomes looked like the real deal in Week 1. Thus, the Chiefs make a strong debut in the NFL Power Rankings. (Photo Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports) We didn’t post a Week 1 NFL Power Rankings because doing so before any games are played is kind of a foolish exercise, much in the vein of the preseason polls in college football.
J.R. Smith Surrenders to NYPD, Charged with Criminal Mischief
JR Smith (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America) J.R. Smith is going from one embarrassment to another. While he’s been known for his antics and unique personality his entire career, Smith may have his most noteable screw up on his hands now. According to TMZ, J.R. turned himself in today for an incident that took place earlier this summer in which he has been accused of breaking me a fan’s cell phone.
REPORT: Aaron Donald Becomes NFL's Richest Defensive Player, Signs Six-Year, $135 Contract
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald has agreed to a huge contract extension to stay in L.A. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo) It shouldn’t be a surprise that the week the preseason ends also has become “superstar contract extension week.” But the dollar amounts given to Odell Beckham Jr., Aaron Rodgers, and now, Aaron Donald might raise some eyebrows. Donald became the latest to claim “richest contract ever” status.
Draymond Green: LeBron James 'Should Definitely Let the World Know' He's the Best Player in the NBA
Despite their memorable Finals battles, Draymond Green has great admiration for LeBron James and all he’s accomplished. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Though the two can be considered rivals in some sense of the word, the mutual respect between Draymond Green and LeBron James has always been present.
Joel Embiid Says He Learned How to Shoot Threes By Searching 'White People Shooting 3 Pointers' on YouTube
Joel Embiid has turned into a dangerous threat beyond the three-point arc. (Michael Perez/FRE) Now one of the most prominent and dominating inside-outside forces in the NBA, it wasn’t long ago that Joel Embiid’s three-point stroke was highlighted as one of the few weaknesses in his game. Entering his third NBA season, Embiid has turned to his perimeter game now more than ever, as he took 3.4 attempts from deep last season and connected on nearly 31 percent of them.
REPORT: Kyle Singler Waived and Stretched by Thunder
Kyle Singler reportedly waived by Thunder using stretch provision (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) The Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly decided to part ways with Kyle Singler and waived him on Thursday. Oklahoma City is using the waive and stretch provision on final year of Kyle Singler’s contract, league sources tell ESPN.
2019 Five Star Armando Bacot Commits to UNC
Armando Bacot (Matthew Hatfield, VirginiaPreps.com) For many years, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have been a powerhouse school within college basketball. With a recent NCAA Championship win in 2017, this program shows many signs of maintaining their NCAAB empire. The commitment of Nassir Little last year added another player to keep UNC’s name as a front-runner in years to come. However, like any lasting dynasty, UNC knew they needed to add even more, and that happened.
Jimmy Smith Expected to Stay with Ravens Despite Suspension
Jimmy Smith will serve a four-game suspension and return to the Ravens Week 5. (Photo Credit: Todd Olszewski/Getty Images North America) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith was suspended the first four games of the 2018 season by the NFL for violating the personal conduct policy the league has implemented. However, the Ravens apparently aren’t planning on cutting ties with Smith over the matter. Perhaps more than any other franchise, the Ravens get put under the microscope.
Travis Frederick Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Out Indefinitely
Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick will be out indefinitely with a rare autoimmune disorder. (Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports) The Dallas Cowboys offensive line was once considered the best in the league. An overpowering unit that allowed the quarterback (whether Tony Romo or Dak Prescott) as much time as needed to find an open receiver and/or open up holes for running backs big enough to drive an 18-wheeler semi through.
REPORT: Gordon Hayward Receiving 'Strong Interest' From Apparel Brands Nike, New Balance and Anta
A shoe deal could be looming for Celtics forward Gordon Hayward. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images) Fresh off a campaign in which he played only one game before suffering a season-ending leg injury, Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward comes into the 2018-19 season with a renewed sense of purpose. Not only were his Boston Celtics on the cusp of a Finals appearance without him, but Hayward himself has a lot to prove.
REPORT: Manu Ginobili Seriously Considering Retirement
Manu Ginobili’s accolades make him a surefire future Hall-of-Famer. (Nick Wass/AP Photo) One of the oldest players in the NBA, San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has given us over a decade and a half of quality, championship caliber play. Now 41 years old, Ginobili has been one of the staples in the Spurs’ recent dynasty which featured Tim Duncan and Tony Parker along with a bevy of quality role players and head coach Gregg Popovich.
David Nwaba to Sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers
David Nwaba reportedly signs with the Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for youth and depth as they move on from LeBron James, and have reportedly found a perfect fit. Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reports that the Cavaliers have reached an agreement with free agent David Nwaba for the upcoming season. Free agent David Nwaba has come to terms with the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources tell Yahoo.
Johnny Cueto to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Cueto pitching early in 2018. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) The San Francisco Giants have announced that Starter Johnny Cueto is out for the 2018 season and part of the 2019 season. Cueto is undergoing Tommy John Surgery in Los Angeles after pitching in nine starts. The #SFGiants announced today that right-handed pitcher Johnny Cueto will undergo Tommy John surgery tomorrow. Dr. Neal ElAttrache will perform the procedure at the Kerlin Jobe clinic in Los Angeles.
REPORT: Brooklyn Nets Plan to Pursue Kyrie Irving in 2019
The Brooklyn Nets reportedly have their sights on Kyrie Irving for 2019 free agency. (Jim McIsaac/ Newsday) Kyrie Irving won’t be a free agent until after the 2018-19 season, and by his account, he isn’t looking past this upcoming season and is focused on rejoining the team that was 48 minutes away from the NBA Finals this past postseason.
REPORT: Pacers Finalizing Contract Extension for Coach Nate McMillan
Nate McMillan will reportedly receive a contract extension that will keep him in Indiana through the 2020-21 season. (Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports) The Indiana Pacers and head coach Nate McMillan are finalizing the details on a contract extension, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Miami Heat Need Internal Improvement to Remain Playoff Threat
The development of Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo may be Miami’s only way out of salary cap hell. (Lynne Sladky/AP Photo) At the time of this writing, the Miami Heat have only made one major transaction in the NBA offseason. They re-signed Wayne Ellington to a fully-guaranteed one-year contract. Miami was able to make this deal only because of the lack of remaining cap space around the league.
Minnesota Twins Send Brian Dozier To Dodgers
Brian Dozier (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired second baseman Brian Dozier from the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. The Twins received infielder Logan Forsythe and two minor leaguers, outfielder Luke Raley and left-hander Devin Smeltzer, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick was first to report the deal as completed. Dozier is now the fifth player traded by the Twins in the last five days.
Phillies Aquire Catcher Wilson Ramos From Tampa Bay
Wilson Ramos (Adam Hunger/Getty Images) The Rays continued their fire sale today, sending catcher Wilson Ramos to the Phillies for cash or a player to be named later. Ramos looked to be one of the Rays’ biggest trade pieces this year until he strained his left hamstring on July 14, which forced him to miss the All-Star Game with expectations he would be out until late August.
Jerry Colangelo: Tenure With 76ers Will be 'Over at the end of the Year'
Jerry Colangelo’s gig as a special advisor to the Philadelphia 76ers will come to an end after this year. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) Jerry Colangelo has a long history in basketball. As the first-ever general manager of the Phoenix Suns, Colangelo won four Executive of the Year awards. After an absence from basketball, Colangelo returned to the game as a special advisor to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Tampa Bay Rays Deal Chris Archer To Pittsburgh
Chris Archer (Joseph Garnett Jr./Getty Images) The Pittsburgh Pirates shocked the baseball world and made a surprising trade just before Tuesday’s deadline, acquiring pitcher Chris Archer from the Tampa Bay Rays for top prospects Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow. Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan confirmed the deal was completed and reported the impressive return for Tampa Bay. Sources: The Rays will be getting Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow back in the deal for Chris Archer.
NBA Enters Multiyear Partnership With MGM Resorts International
The NBA is making MGM Resorts International its official gaming partner. (David Dow/Getty Images) The NBA and MGM Resorts International, making the latter the official gaming partner of the former. From the press release: MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today a new multi-year partnership that will make MGM Resorts the official gaming partner of the NBA and WNBA.
Boston Red Sox acquire Ian Kinsler from Los Angeles Angels
Ian Kinsler fielding a grounder. (Harry How/Getty Images) The Boston Red Sox have acquired Second Baseman Ian Kinsler from the Los Angeles Angels for two prospects. Red Sox have been looking to add to their lineup and boost their offensive production to be able to compete in the playoffs. The Angels acquired RHP Ty Buttrey and LHP Williams Jerez.
Carmelo Anthony Won't Come Off the Bench: 'When I Feel Like I'm Ready'
Carmelo Anthony isn’t willing to come off the bench. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) Carmelo Anthony had refused to come off the bench in the 2017-18 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being asked by a reporter if he would consider a bench role in order to help the team.
JJ Redick Says He Nearly Left Sixers in Free Agency: 'I Almost Signed With Indy'
JJ Redick considered joining the Pacers before ultimately re-signing with the Sixers. (Bill Streicher/USAToday Sports) Perhaps the most under the radar move throughout the entire NBA offseason, it was paramount for the Philadelphia 76ers to retain shooting guard JJ Redick. Redick inked a one-year deal with the club last summer and played incredibly well as a complement to blossoming superstars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
REPORT: Clint Capela, Rockets Agree to 5-Year, $90M Extension
Clint Capela has developed into the perfect center for the Rockets’ high-powered offensive attack. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) After losing a couple of important pieces in free agency this offseason, the Houston Rockets also seemed to be on shaky ground with restricted free agent center Clint Capela. Losing Capela would’ve been a devastating blow, however, USAToday’s Kelly Iko reports that the Rockets have agreed to an extension with the Swiss big man.
REPORT: Jimmy Butler Underwent Surgery on Right Hand
Jimmy Butler should be fully healthy at the start of next season. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Following a season in which the Minnesota Timberwolves had high expectations but were ultimately bounced in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, Jimmy Butler’s injury woes played a major role in their downfall. Though Butler was healthy during their playoff stretch, the two-way wing missed 23 regular season games.
REPORT: Pat Connaughton Agrees to 2-Year Deal With Bucks
Pat Connaughton is signing with the Milwaukee Bucks. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images North America) The Milwaukee Bucks are signing fourth-year guard Pat Connaughton to a two-year deal worth slightly more than the minimum, according to Yahoo’s Shams Charania: Free agent forward Pat Connaughton has agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
Paul George Opens up About Decision to Stay in OKC
Paul George opened up about his decision to spurn the Lakers in favor of the Thunder. (Layne Murdoch/Getty Images) Thunder forward Paul George shocked the world (especially Lakers fans) this summer when he opted to stay in Oklahoma City rather than sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. George opened up to Sports Illustrated’s Ben Golliver and USA Today’s Sam Amick about his decision.
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